To my dear fellow nurses
- page 2

My nursing journey has been quite an interesting one; in a matter of 2 years post-graduation, I managed to work in a hospital, in a school, in home care and shortly I will be a travel nurse. How did... Read More

Feb 16, '14

SlightlyHumerus, cast your net wide...you may not get that hospital job; you may end up in LTC or Home Health/PDN or another community setting; I don't know your area, however, you may end up speaking and experiencing the OP's post.

Nursing is nursing....welcome!

Feb 16, '14

SlightlyHumerus, thank you for your question; it does not seem convoluted at all! I will second what LadyFree28 said and definitely keep ALL of your options open. Nursing is not what it used to be anymore; not everyone starts out or stays in the hospital setting. Also, you can learn the same skills you would learn in a hospital in home care in a much more relaxed atmoshpere. Each area of nursing has its pros and cons. In the hospital, there seems to be more security in some ways than in home care. For example, (and not to scare you) though the atmosphere is relaxed, you're more likely to be sued in home care should anything go wrong than in the hospital.
As for earning your stripes, what field do you anticipate on using these "stripes" for? Managerial? Administration? Education? Clinical? The list abounds! While you have a bit of thinking to do, I implore you to take the first offer that makes you feel comfortable, safe, and secure as well as offers numerous opportunities for growth. If you do that, you can go anywhere; hospice, oncology, home health, acute care, anything! Everyone needs to learn the basics but your field will determine how much of the basics you will practice on a daily basis in your chosen specialty.

I hope this helps you, SlightlyHumerus. Keep me posted

Feb 18, '14

Is it common for a new nurse to have several different positions in such a short amount of time?